Father's Day Celebrations!

Saturday June 16, 2012

Today was a very busy day getting wedding things taken care of and then we got a call around 11:30am from a neighbor who had borrowed our Suburban to take some of the ward's young men on their High Adventure Camp to Moab in southern Utah this week. They  were on their way home and the Suburban died on the freeway about 3 hours south of our home. Linc spent an hour or so on the phone trying to find someone who had a truck with a big enough engine that could be used to tow the Suburban home. Unfortunately anyone who a big enough truck was up at our Stake Property getting things set up for Stake Girl’s Camp which begins on Monday.  Lincoln was finally able to someone home who was generous enough to let Lincoln use his truck. He got ready to head down to Green River, UT. Linc rented a long flatbed trailer to put the Suburban on for the tow home. Tyler was at work, Ashley was gone and Linc was concerned that I would be more of a liability than an asset with the hot sun and strenuous work of loading the suburban on the trailer. lol So, he took Lexy to help. Lexy was willing so off they went! I told Lexy that Dad was a little stressed about the situation and to not get her  feelings hurt if he might be a little impatient with her.  She said she’d try!

Around 6:30pm, Linc emailed me a photo of the Suburban up on the trailer, ready to be towed home. It was entitled “Funnest Father’s Day Ever!” I’m so grateful that it all worked out! They arrived home about 9:30pm. 

Lincoln's Father's Day Adventure!

Our wounded Suburban, making it's way back to Lindon.

Tyler & Andrea were here. Ashley and I made his favorite dinner and had it hot & ready when he got home. Since tomorrow we will be at church and then drive up to Bountiful to celebrate Father’s day with his dad and family, we decided to give him his gifts tonight. He got a yummy basket from the local bakery, fill-in-the-blank form letters from the kids that made him laugh and . . . the biggie . . . we bought a really nice trophy case and put his autographed BYU National Championship Rugby Ball in it! He was so excited! He couldn’t stop smiling about it! That made the rest of us happy too!

The last request from Linc was to watch a movie together as family. We made it a BYOP Party. Everyone brought their own pillow and we gathered in our master bedroom to lie on the floor, curl up on our bed and watch a cute movie called, “We Bought a Zoo.” It was a crazy wonderful day and most important our Dad knows that we love him very much!

Lincoln with his autographed 

BYU 2012 National Championship Rugby Ball & Case

We love you, Lincoln!

Covenants Bring Peace

Friday June 15, 2012

This morning I had the opportunity to attend the temple with two of my dear friends. It was such a beautiful, peaceful experience. There was a young man who was going through for the first time as he prepares to serve an LDS mission soon. There was also a young woman who was going through for the first time as she prepares to be sealed to her sweetheart for time and all eternity. My heart smiled as I thought about one week from today when Andrea will go through the temple for the first time as she prepares to be sealed to Tyler the following day.

How grateful I am for temple covenants that bring us promise and hope in the eternities as we remain faithful and true to our Heavenly Father. I walked in to the Celestial Room and the sun was streaming through the cut glass windows flooding the room with a soft, warm light. I felt my Heavenly Father’s love wash over me and I was overwhelmed by His goodness and the blessings in my life. I know that I am a daughter of God and that he loves me and he is aware of my circumstance. I feel his love in my life and I know that I can hold my head up high with a smile and do hard things with his help. My testimony of my Heavenly Father and of his son Jesus Christ are the foundation of all that I hold dear. I am grateful for my life, for my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the gift of family.

Mount Timpanogos Temple 

Bunco Time

Thursday June 14, 2012

Today was another fantastic productive day. Every day my ‘to list’ is being accomplished as we get ready for the wedding on June 23^rd. This morning was making phone calls, typing lists, emailing, and coordinating with people on the wedding. This afternoon I forced myself to lay down and take a good 2 hour nap.

This evening I felt well enough to go next door to have Bunco Night with eleven of my good friends. We get together once a month to have dinner and play a silly dice game. I love the chance it gives me to see my friends and hear about what’s going on in their lives. I have been playing Bunco with my neighbors for more than 15 years! By 9:45pm, I was tired and ready to go home and go to sleep, but it felt so good to see my friends and to rub shoulders with them. They are amazing ladies doing so much good in the world. A number of them asked how they can help with the wedding and volunteered to help with the wedding dinner and reception. I feel loved!

Serving & Being Served

Tuesday June 12, 2012 

This morning was a beautiful summer day! I had plans to get a lot of things done in preparation for the wedding. The first few steps out of bed let me know that my feet did not agree with my plans! Today was a bad day for my feet. The neuropathy was quite intense and I felt the pain with every step I took. Wearing thick socks & slippers in the house and taking Tylenol helped a little. Among other things, I was really looking forward to planting the gorgeous annuals that I purchase several weeks ago to brighten my backyard. Ashley saw me walking gingerly around the house and sent me straight to my room to lay down and rest. Then she & Lexy went to work potting the 6 large pots I have in the backyard. The pots turned out gorgeous! I can look out my bedroom window and see their colors from my room. I am so grateful for my girls and for the help they offer around the house. It means the world to me.

Later this afternoon, we did go to the store to pick up a few items to help a neighbor who was in need. As we took the dinner over to their home and offered a hug of support and love, it felt so good to be on the OTHER side of service! The neighbor expressed her appreciation for being in this ward and for the support of her family at this time. I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who has blessed me with the opportunity to serve in some small way and pay it back for all the good that others have done for me. It just feels good to do something for someone else! J

'My lovely daughters, Lexy & Ashley'

PLUS 'Beautiful flowers'

EQUALS 'One happy Momma!'

Uncle Bob & Aunt Jane

Monday June 11, 2012

Early this morning, my Uncle Bob Kimmell and Aunt Jane stopped by on their way from Napa, California headed to Montana to meet my other Uncle Pat Dougherty & Aunt Lynne. Uncle Bob is my dad's only brother. It was so much seeing him. He reminds me so much of my dad that it felt a little like my dad was here. Bob & Jane brought two of my grandfather’s captains chairs for Tyler & Andrea as a wedding gift. I haven’t seen my aunt & uncle in many, many years. It was wonderful to visit with them for a short time. 

As Lincoln was visiting with Uncle Bob, I had a chance to chat with my Aunt Jane. She was concerned about my diagnosis and how I'm doing with everything. I reassured her that I feel a great peace that all will be well and that I truly believe the Lord has a lot more in store for me to do here upon the earth before my time is through. 

At the end, my Uncle Bob said, “Now Lisa, you are my genealogy connection. I recently found out about a cousin that I never knew I had and she is very into family history. She has s website with a huge amount of information regarding your grandmother Geraldine Mills Kimmell side of the family. It is the Selover Family. I’d love to give you a dvd and show you the website with all that information, if you are interested?” 

I was thrilled to find out about it. He said this website has names, dates and lots of photos of the people from my grandmother’s maiden side of the family. How exciting is that! I have a lot of work to do when I get through this chemo and get well again.

See, I do believe that the Lord has a lot more for me to accomplish before my journey here on earth is over. Today was another ‘confirmation’ that this is truly the case. I’m so excited to get to work on it.

Aunt Jane, Uncle Bob & Me

Lovely Sundays

Sunday June 10, 2012

Today is Day 10 and the last day that I have to be SUPER careful about being around large crowds and germs. Well, I always have to be aware and cautious around germs, but it's not as intense as during days 7-10. I felt really good. I slipped into church just before it started and left during the closing song so I wouldn’t be around too many people. Sacrament Meeting was terrific because I was able to listen to Elder Radmall give his mission report. It was wonderful to feel the spirit as he talked about his experiences sharing the gospel in Paraguay. Another young man, Elder Williams, gave his mission farewell. He will be serving in Ohio. What a great ward!

I spent time this afternoon typing up wedding dinner details. Andrea & Tyler received their bridal/groomal photos and were busy choosing which pictures we will blow up for the wedding reception. They look gorgeous! I’m excited. A terrific couple in our neighborhood stopped by on a walk to talk about the photos. They have offered to do the enlarging of the photos as the wedding gift to Tyler & Andrea. We are so grateful for their goodness and generosity.

Later, my friend Karen came by on a walk and gave us a wedding gift for happy couple and brought me a vase of roses. It was fun visiting and catching up on what’s happening in her life.

Another family stopped by a little later and brought us some dinner and homemade rolls. They are so kind to our family!

Then Ashley, Lexy, Lincoln and I curled up on our bed and watched a fun movie together. I love spending time with my family. They are the best!I love Sundays!

We are not alone

Tuesday June 5, 2012

“Our Heavenly Father is a powerful, moving, directing being. While we may, at times, bear burdens of sorrow; pain and grief; while we may struggle to understand trials of faith we are called to pass through; while life may seem dark and dreary – through faith, we have absolute confidence that a loving Heavenly Father is at our side.” Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov. 2002.

I know that we are not alone. I know that He is with me.

Day 4

Monday June 4, 2012

Today the fatigue kicked in. Day 4 is always hard, but today I felt especially drained. I woke up this morning and thought to myself, “Today I will work on 2 things: 1, trying to swallow water and 2, fighting cancer.”

I got a phone call at 9:30am from my friend, Debbie, who said that she & another friend, Wendy, felt impressed that need to stop by this afternoon to take away all of the wedding decorations and things that I have strewn all over my house. Sure enough, this afternoon they showed up and talked with me about the last minute details of all the things that I need for the wedding dinner and the wedding reception. They are going to store everything in Wendy’s, son’s room who is gone on his mission. I’m sure he’d be thrilled to know that his bedroom is now, Jacobs Wedding Central! Haha

I am so grateful for these women and the many others who are helping them with all they are doing to help me make this wedding event a special day for Tyler & Andrea. But, it’s also a very hard thing. As a woman and a mother, it’s very difficult to not be able to do all the things that I’ve always been able to do for my family and my children. I am learning patience and gratitude and humility as I have these dear, sweet ladies serve me. 

I look forward to the day when the 'shoe will be on the other foot' and I will be the one reaching out and helping others who are in need. I know, I know, patience is a virtue. :) 

Deliveries

Sunday June 3, 2012

Today was fast Sunday at church. I felt good enough to go and enjoyed the spirit of the testimonies shared. I am surrounded by such good people who are doing their best to do what is right and to serve their fellow neighbors & friends. I love in a wonderful community.

Tonight, Lincoln & I drove around the neighborhood with the girls and they delivered wedding invitations to our neighbors. It felt so good to get that taken care of. Lexy’s friend, Jessi, decided to help also and when we were all done, we came back to the house to make fruit smoothies. 

Another dear neighbor came by to deliver some delicious left-overs from their dinner for us to have. They apologized for not having made homemade rolls because their air conditioner had gone out and it was just too hot in the house. It wasn't an hour later that another neighbor knocked on the door with a plate of homemade dinner rolls! What wonderful people!

Learning to Slow Down

Saturday June 2, 2012

Today was a beautiful day. Lincoln took the girls and their friends boating at Utah Lake. I kept busy doing small things around the house and one simple errand. I’m doing much better at making a plan for the day of what I want to do and then adjusting that plan when I’m too tired to follow through with everything. I consider that a lot of progress for a ‘go, go, go’ kind of girl like me!

Chemo - Round 4

Friday June 1, 2012

This morning I had my 4^th round of chemo. Ashley went with me. I spoke with the doctor about how I’m doing and the recent side effects that have developed since my last round of chemo. 

Things like: lack of taste when I eat. I don’t have a metallic taste like a lot of chemo patients experience, but I simply have a very dull sense of taste. I mostly just taste texture and hot or cold. For example, a month ago I went to eat my favorite cobb salad from Mimi’s Café. I had ranch dressing. The salad tasted terrible because there was no flavor at all. Yesterday I went to lunch with my girls and I had the cobb salad again. This time I ordered the Bleu Cheese dressing, knowing that it has a sharp, strong flavor. The salad was delicious because it tasted like it was Ranch Dressing. Strange isn’t it! As a result, I’ve gained some weight, which I don’t like at all. I think I’m eating more than normal, hoping that at some point I’ll be able to 'taste' what I’m eating, but it just hasn't happened. I’m trying to just eat until I’m full and then stop. At least the doctor seems to be happy that I’m gaining weight and not losing too much. Oh well.

I’ve developed neuropathy in my hands AND feet now. My hands are extremely sensitive to hot and cold and I have a terrible time in the kitchen trying to open zip lock bags and tight lids on bottles and jars. My feet are tender in my heels, side of my toes, and balls of my feet. I find that wearing good cushioned shoes and a little extra Tylenol help me deal with it.

I don’t sleep very well. I can fall asleep until about 4 or 5 am and then I’m up and have a very difficult time falling back asleep. I usually get up and try to do a few things until I get tired again and then try to sleep once more. I take my daily naps. The doctor said to just sleep when I can and try to work through it.

I am scheduled for another CT scan of my chest June 27^th, just before round 5 of chemo on June 28^th. The doctor says that depending on the results of that scan, we will be able to determine if I will be able to finish out with 6 rounds of chemo or if I might need to do 8 rounds. It depends on how my body is responding to the chemo and my rest.

I love the Lord. I am so grateful for His tender mercies in my life and the love and support I feel from so many people. I am still praying for a miracle in my life. I want to finish up my treatment in 6 rounds of chemo. I know it’s in the Lord’s hands, but I must keep the faith and do my part to get better.

Take Time to Remember

Thursday May 31, 2012

This morning I woke up very early thinking about the wedding and life. I decided it was time to put on my ‘big girl pants’ and deal with it. I took my pre-chemo medicine and got working on wedding invitations again. If going through chemo is what I have to do to get better and get my life back, then going through chemo is exactly what I am going to do. I must remember what a sweet friend told me yesterday. It is a quote from the book by Marjorie Pay Hinckley called "Small and Simple Things."

"It's a valuable exercise to close your eyes every once in a while and think, 'What is the most wonderful moment I have lived through during the past year?' It might be part of a grand event or a very simple moment, perhaps a brief interaction with another person. The grand or the simple, it doesn't matter. Just the remembering will lift your spirits, and warm feelings will fill your soul."

When I close my eyes and look back on the past year, there have been many, many wonderful moments where I have had brief interactions with amazing people who have lifted my spirits and warmed my soul by their love and friendship and example. In times of challenge and discouragement, I will try to close my eyes and remember those moments and remember to trust in the Lord.

Incredible Support from Rocky Mountain Elementary!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

This morning I went back to the school for the school wide assembly. They wanted to present the check to me again in front of the entire school and announce which classes raised the most money in the ‘Penny War” for Mrs. Jacobs. I had prepared some thoughts to share with the school after I was given the check:

"Good morning! It is so wonderful to see all of you. You are a sight for sore eyes! One of the hardest things that I had to change when I was diagnosed was to tell Mrs. Stephenson that I couldn’t come to school and work in the classroom with all of you wonderful students & teachers. I’ve missed you! I want you to know how much I appreciate all of your letters, your cards, and prayers and posters and positive thoughts that have been sent my way. I have felt that strength in my life and I want you to know that it is making a difference in my recovery.

A few weeks ago, I had an CT scan or x-ray of my chest to see how my body is doing in battling the cancer and the doctor told me the great news that the tumors are shrinking! Things are going well and I feel very at peace that I will win this battle. I look forward to the day that I will be cancer free. I know that there are many more people who are becoming cancer survivors these days than those who are not. There are wonderful things taking place as doctors continue to work hard to find a cure for this disease.

 I want to thank you for all of your efforts to raise this incredible amount of money for me & my family. You may just be elementary school students, but when you join together in a cause, you can do amazing things! Please always remember that. Words can’t express what this means to me. You are a very special group of people and I am truly blessed to have you in my life.

One thing I’ve learned recently is that “Happiness is a Choice.” No matter how old you are, whether you are in elementary school or a grown up, you will face challenges and hard things in your life. It may be trying to get along with a difficult person in your class or with a teacher; it may be something hard that is going on at home within your family. It doesn’t matter what that challenge is, but it does make a HUGE difference on your attitude as you go through that challenge. You can choose to focus on the bad & negative things or you can focus on the positive good things that are going on in your life.

Cancer isn’t easy, in fact sometimes it’s pretty hard. The day I was diagnosed, I decided right then and there that I would do my best to be happy & positive and to look for the good in my life. Every day I see wonderful blessings and tender mercies happening all around me. You too can do hard things and you can find joy in the journey and happiness as you work through those challenges.

Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you’ve done to strengthen me and make me feel so very loved. I truly am the luckiest girl around!”

It felt so good to see the kids and the teachers, and staff again. I have missed them all. One 5^th grade teacher, Mr. Alder, stopped to talk to me for a moment. I subbed in his class this past year many times. He told me that his class chose to vote on the number one news story of the year and they decided that “Mrs. Jacobs” was the number one story of the year. He said they really love me. I told him that I loved his class too and that I have every intention of getting better and coming back to teach at the school. He said he was going to hold me to that promise! J I made the office ladies promise that we’d get together after the wedding and go out to lunch and catch up on life. They agreed. I was sent home with the big ‘fake’ check. I still can hardly believe that the kids raised just under $3, 000 for me in about 4 days. Unbelievable!  What an a amazing community that I live in.

Me, Mrs. Willis & Mrs. Davis

'Penny War' Check

Later I went from being on ‘cloud 9’ to feeling sad and a emotional. The only thing that I can figure is that I have felt so good the last 2 weeks and now I’m getting ready to take my ‘pre chemo’ drugs tomorrow and will get my chemo and go through the yuck ‘post chemo’ week coming up. Today I saw the school community that I love and I realized how much I miss interacting with the people and kids down there. I don't want to do the chemo again. I don't want to feel sick again. I don’t cry sad tears very often, but tonight I did. 

Global Awareness Fair

Tuesday May 29, 2012

Today, I was invited to the elementary school to see a presentation that was being given to the 5^th & 6^th grade students and some parents about the PUSH program. They talked about the Global Awareness Fair that the students were involved in this Spring and what they learned about disease & cancer. They talked about raising money for me.  A representative of the American Cancer Institute was in attendance and spoke to the group and complimented the kids for their efforts in learning about cancer and raising funds for me to help me in my cancer journey. At the end the 6^th grade teacher went up front and talked about how hard the classes had worked to make a difference in my life as they earned money as a school to help me out. Then they revealed a GIGANTIC ‘faux’ check made out to me in the amount that the kids had donated. It was for an incredible $2, 937.10. I was astonished at that amount! I can’t believe that they raised so much. I truly believe it is a tribute to the amazing community in which we live and the example of terrific parents and encouragement of dedicated teachers. I had a chance to thank the children for all their effort, prayers, kindness, and goodness toward me and my family and how much we are feeling of their love and support.

It was wonderful to talk to some of the teachers and staff and see their faces again. The principal told me that it has been a great experience to see these kids come together in such a big way to rally around a common cause and make an impact for good in someone’s life . . . that would be my life! Words can’t express how much I appreciate all that they have done for me. I want to get better and get back to working at the school.

My friend Camiel, told me of one little boy who brought $100 dollars to the school to donate to the “Mrs. Jacobs Fund.” The teacher called the parent to let her know that she ought to be aware that her son brought that much money. The parent told the teacher that she was completely aware of that donation and that the little boy had emptied his piggy bank to bring the money to school and the parents agreed to let him do it. Wow! What a humbling story. It touches my heart to hear of these acts of kindness and service on my behalf. It is also a very humbling recipient to be on the receiving end of so much love and goodness. I am so very blessed.

Tender Feet

Wednesday May 23, 2012

Today was a beautiful day and for the most part I felt pretty good. I’m not complaining about my feet, but am simply documenting my journey and all the ups and downs that go along with it. I’m not sure why, but my emotions have been very close to the surface today.

Now my feet are even more tender and sore than yesterday. I called the patient care advocate and she told me that it is common for patients on the chemo drug taxotere to have an increased sensitivity in their hands and feet. I believe she called it neuropathy. My fingertips have been sensitive to heat and cold for the past 3 weeks or so. They feel like there’s a lot of pressure in the fingertips and I have a hard time opening packages like zip lock bags or opening bottles, etc. I also can’t handle taking frozen bags of food out of the freezer. It feels like it’s burning my fingers. I tried wearing my running shoes today that have a lot more padding and support and it helped cushion my feet more. I was told that this symptom is due to the accumulative effect of the chemo in my system. There’s not a lot to be done to alleviate this feeling, but to keep lots of heavy lotion on my hands and feet and keep out of the sun. If those tender spots turn into open sores then I need to get to the doctor immediately. I’m praying that it won’t get to that point. I guess this is just another reason to put my feet up and enjoy a little Netflix, tv, or a good book! Haha

Daughter becomes 'Mother'

Tuesday May 22, 2012

Today was another productive day getting ready for the wedding and taking care of things around the house. Ashley has been such tremendous help this summer getting ready for the wedding, taking care of things around the house, running errands, and YES, even reminding me to take it easy and to take care of myself. I had a few items to take of today and after doing a few things this morning, she gently reminded me that I needed to go lie down and  take nap before we determined if I'd be involved in the afternoon 'tasks'! Ha! What a great mother she is going to be and what a wonderful daughter she is right now. I’m so grateful for her help and willingness to serve. 

My beautiful daughter, Ashley

I noticed a strange new sensation starting today. My feet are feeling very tender and almost bruised. They don’t look like it, but they certainly feel like it. I've had it in my hands for a few weeks, but now it’s starting in my feet. Tyler & Andrea flew in from Ecuador late tonight. Their flights were delayed and they ended up arriving around 11pm. It was awesome to see them together and to know that they are home safe and sound. They had a marvelous time together. It was around 12:30am by the time we got home. It’s been a very long day. 

Andrea & Tyler in Ecuador

Feeding my Spirit

Sunday May 20, 2012

Chad left early this morning to fly out to Alaska for his summer job. I was sad to see him go. His friend spent the night and drove him to the airport. I’m grateful that we’ve been able to work it out and arrange for Chad to fly back for the two days of the wedding festivities. It will be wonderful to have him share that special time with our family.

This morning I felt really good again and I was excited to go to church. Because of my low immunity right now, Lincoln made a deal with me so I could go to church. He went early and saved us a bench to sit on. Then Lexy and I slipped in just before the meeting started and I was able to enjoy the spirit, hear the messages being shared and parktake of the Sacrament. At the end, I slipped out during the closing song so that afterwards I wouldn’t be exposed to a lot of people. Just being in church lifts my spirits and feeds my soul. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Beauty of the Simple Life

Saturday May 19, 2012

I was feeling great this morning and I can tell my strength is beginning to return. It felt good to be able to be productive around the house and take care of such wonderfully mundane things as mopping the kitchen floor and getting a few loads of laundry done. I’m grateful to be able to take care of these simple things so that my family has a nice, clean place to live in.

I’m in the 7-10 day range right now on my chemo and that’s when my immune system is at its lowest point in my 21 day cycle. That means I need to be cautious about being around large crowds in enclosed places. This evening Lincoln took the girls to the National Rugby Championship at Rio Tinto Stadium. BYU made it to the championship game and they were excited to go. I needed to pass, but I was able to go over to our Bishop’s daughter’s wedding reception. It was outdoors and I went early so I could just express my love to them & their family and then quickly leave to come home. It was a beautiful reception and I’m excited for Tyler’s big event next month!

Ashley, Lincoln & Lexy

Go Cougars!

Friday May 18, 2012

Today I spent most of the day taking it easy at home and resting. This afternoon I had one appointment at the reception center to take another look at the kitchen prep area and to see if there’s any way possible that we might be able to find a 220 plug so we can use a soft serve ice cream machine to make Andrea’s dream of serving ice cream at the wedding reception come true. I know that there’s not one within the kitchen prep area, but that area is connected to a large kitchen area where another catering company owns the entire kitchen. I’ve been praying the last week that I might find a way that we can somehow work things out to make this take place.

My friend, Debbie came along with me so she could see the location and how everything is going to be set up. When we arrived at the reception center I was once again so happy that this is where we will have the reception. It’s a beautiful place and so much is already included in the event center. We spoke with the reception lady and she was extremely helpful to talk to about ideas for the wedding set up. As we entered the kitchen prep area, we could see that clearly there was no 220 plug in the area. I said a prayer and got the courage to ask if there was any way that we might be able to run an extension cord to the 220 plug in the other area of the kitchen. She called over the man in charge of the catering company and we explained the situation and talked with him for a few minutes. I offered to pay for the electricity that it would take and for his time and effort. He looked at his calendar, checked the time that we’d need the plug and then said that he would be done in his kitchen that evening by the reception time and that we would be fine to plug in to his plug and use what we needed. I held back the tears and expressed my gratitude for his kindness. Later I spoke with the reception lady and asked for her help in contacting the linen company. I shared that I’m going through chemo right now and need to finalize plans while I’m feeling good and can’t wait until just before the wedding. She said she’d contact her for me and we’d work things out.

Just before we left, the reception lady indicated that she had gone through her own cancer challenge five years ago and that she wished me the best and gave me a hug. What happened tonight was such a huge tender mercy in my life. Being able to move forward with the food for the reception is a HUGE weight off my shoulders. I’m so grateful to the Lord for his kindness and tender mercies in my life. I know He is aware of me and He’s there by my side.